Method and system for automatically providing handset operational status information to a wireless carrier

ABSTRACT

Discloses a system to provide cellular handset operational status information to wireless carriers relating to insertion or proximity of mobile cellular handsets to a hybrid fixed wireless interface (HFWI) device. Upon handset coupling to a HFWI, by insertion of the handset into a receiving connector on the HFWI or proximity of the handset to the HFWI, the system controls the handset to update the signalling protocol to inform the wireless carrier of an interfaced and operational operation mode. In an alternative arrangement upon handset coupling to the HFWI, the HFWI instructs the handset to transmit an interfaced and operational mode of operation message to the wireless carrier. In a preferred embodiment upon removal of the handset from the HFWI, or the handset being taken out of reach of HFWI proximity sensing, the system reverts to the conventional signalling protocol indicating a non-interfaced (mobile) operation mode to the carrier.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to telecommunications and moreparticularly relates to a method and system for providing cellularhandset operational status information to a wireless carrier network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Products currently exist which allow the interfacing of wireless andmobile wireless networks with conventional fixed telephone sets. Forexample, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,775,997 and 4,658,096 to WestJr. et al. Such products are marketed under various brand names and arecommonly known as a Fixed Wireless Interface (FWI). Typically installedin residential homes, in areas where conventional telephone service isdifficult to obtain, FWIs can also for example be installed on boats,SUVs, mobile homes, or anywhere that conventional telephones need tooperate on the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and access to awireless carrier network service (typically a PCS carrier) is available.The said products interface with conventional phones to provide dialtone, ringing, and conventional dial out capabilities, with access tothe PSTN via a wireless connection to a wireless carrier network throughthe FWI's radio transceiver.

German patent application publication DE19803019 by Euscher provides awireline PSTN access for a wireless phone subscriber. In the apparatusof Euscher, upon insertion of the wireless handset in a cradle, thephone changes modes to act as a wireless phone linked to the PSTN viaconventional landline connectivy from a local residential base. Thisarrangement converts a wireless phone access to a wireline phone access.

Some manufacturers have recently developed what can be called HybridFixed Wireless, Interfaces (HFWI) aka. cellphone-fed fixed/mobileinterfaces or docking stations. Compared to conventional FWIs, where theradio transceiver is normally an integral part of and contained in theinterface device, an HFWI features a transceiver which can be separatedmanually by the user from the interface device. This is because theradio transceiver is typically a conventional mobile cellular phone,rather than a radio transmitter and receiver device enclosed in apackaged unit. The portable mobile cellular phone can be freely coupledor uncoupled by the user to and from the HFWI through the physicalplacement of the mobile telephone handset on the HFWI, which also servesthe purpose of a battery charger, with electrical connectors on themobile telephone handset mating to electrical connectors on the HFWI. Aform of such an arrangement is described in the Internationalapplication WO 01/89959A1(IPR IND LTD; MARTENSSON NILS (GB) (2001 Sep.20) However the description does not disclose any treatment afford toincoming calls received on the mobile cellular phone while it Isinserted in the docking station and as such does not satisfy thebi-directional call placement and reception capabilities of true HFWI.It discloses the docking station ability, on a call by call basis, tointercept outbound calls initiated on fixed or cordless telephonesconnected to it, and to direct such call through either the wirelessmobile phone access or the wireline copper pair access. It alsodescribes on an outbound call by call basis, that the docking stationcould have the ability assuming an outbound interception favorable tothe mobile phone and system operator, to inform the operator of such anoccurrence for the purpose of applying a different tarriff to thatparticular outbound call. Other applications such as the Germanapplication DE 100 14 677 A(BUECKERT SVEN) (2001 Sep. 20) orinternational application WO98/47300 CHEW,MOH,JIN (1997 Nov. 20)disclose docking stations that have bi-directional call placement andreception abilities, the first being capable of wireless interfacingbetween mobile cellular phones and analog fixed type phones and thelatter electrical interfacing, both representing a more completedefinition of HFWI.

HFWIs are typically intended to be placed In residential homes and/orSOHO (small office/home office) locations in order to allow conventionalfixed telephone sets coupled to them to operate in a fashion similar toconventional fixed telephony conditions, while actually reaching thePSTN through wireless carrier network access. This is achieved throughthe Insertion of a cellular wireless handset in the HFWI, the cellularwireless handset communicating with the HFWI via a dataport (i.e. acommunications interface).

Two drawbacks of currently available HFWIs which have slowed downconsiderably their acceptance and endorsement by wireless accesscarriers and, hence, the general public. Current HFWIs do not allowwireless carriers to adjust or customize billing and the type andquality of the carrier services provided to a customer based on the useof a handset in a fixed interfaced mode in conjunction with a HFWI.Also, currently available HFWI require various software and physical andelectrical connectivity variations to pair cellular handsets to HFWIs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An HFWI usually operates using narrowband spectrum cellular interfacesand at various frequencies relative to the territory covered andlicenses obtained. However, for the purpose of this disclosure, the termHFWI also applies to any wireless radio product including broadbandcapable products as long as the user can separate the radio transceiverfrom the HFWI and where that radio takes the form of a cellulartelephone (for example, a PCS mobile communication handset).

It is one objective of the present invention to overcome the above andother drawbacks by providing the means to determine the use of acellular telephone handset having fixed interfaced operational statusand inform the wireless carrier network of this status. On the receptionof information related to the fixed interfaced operational or mobilestatus, the wireless carriers will be in the position to provideenhanced network services to the end user. It will allow elegant,feature-rich and cost-effective utilisation of mobile handsets when usedin an interfaced operational mode of operation, interfacing conventionaltelephones or telephone-like equipment. In turn, it will allow wirelesscarriers to make a sound and profitable customer offering. In addition,it will allow compatible wireless local connectivity between a HFWI anda cellular handset equipped with a local wireless dataport.

In particular, the present invention overcomes the above drawbacks byproviding an apparatus and method for automatically informing a wirelesscarrier network when a cellular telephone handset is in an interfacedoperational mode or mobile mode. Identification of the handset in fixedinterfaced operational mode allows the wireless carrier to provide thefollowing value propositions:

-   -   Fixed price plan capped to a maximum monthly of usage on fixed        operational mode;    -   Bundled pricing of voice and internet service on fixed operation        mode;    -   Positive location identification for 911 emergency calls in        fixed operational mode;    -   Automatic long distance dialling capability and preferential        long distance pricing in fixed operational mode;    -   Conventional (non mobile) network switch traffic management in        fixed operational mode;    -   Adjusted network build plan to more precisely accommodate high        density traffic areas; and    -   Any other customer value proposition or carrier cost control        measure on the part of the wireless carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the components of a PCS wireless systemin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 a shows an alternate embodiment of the dataport of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of a hybrid fixedwire interface (HFWI);

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of the autonomous transmission of interfaced andoperational handset operation in accordance with a preferred embodimentof the present invention using signalling protocol; and

FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the autonomous transmission of interfaced andoperational handset operation in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention using GPRS, SMS or USSD;

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the inventionconfigured with two handsets.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show interconnection apparatus to interconnect subscriberPSTN distribution lines and an HFWI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a varietyof wireless access devices and technologies are considered. Somedescriptions may refer to solutions available under the guidance of theGlobal System for Mobil (GSM) communications technology standard. Itwill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the presentmay refer to other wireless standards such as AMPS and NAMPS in analogcellular, TDMA or CDMA in PCS or other European standards includingbroadband standards, provided the intent is to inform the carrier or athird party about the fixed interfaced or mobile operating status of amobile telephone handset when it is inserted into (interfaced with) orextracted out of (not interfaced with) a hybrid fixed wireless interface(HFWI) device. For example, the invention described may serve thepurpose of driving the Network Interface Unit (NIU) device type statusindication (fixed, limited mobility or full mobility) which would allowmessaging on the wireless interface as described in CDMA standardsANSI-95 and IS-2000 in the wireless local loop feature intended toprovide wireline-like service to end users.

Referring now to FIG. 1, as explained generally above, in a preferredembodiment the portable cellular handset 10 is placed in the HFWI 12(which jointly form part of the “System”), which results in thefollowing actions occurring:

-   -   1. Identification and functional information is exchanged        between the handset and the HFWI via a dataport 14.    -   2. The HFWI 12 or cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface of the        System senses the fixed interfaced operation mode of the        handset.    -   3. The HFWI 12 or cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface of the        System instructs the handset 10 to update the handset signaling        protocol to be used over transmission means 16 so as to        automatically and autonomously inform the wireless carrier        network upon the next exchange of information through a        signaling protocol request, that the handset is in fixed        interfaced mode of operation, or the HFWI 12 or cellphone-fed        fixed/mobile interface of the System instructs the handset 10 to        automatically and autonomously transmit to the wireless carrier        18 or a clearing house gateway 20 the result of action above        i.e. information containing identification and functional status        (fixed mode or mobile mode) of the handset. This information        authenticated locally or remotely 22 would serve the purpose of        informing wireless carriers that the handset is in an interfaced        operational mode of operation.    -   4. After action 3 above, the HFWI 12 or cellphone-fed        fixed/mobile interface of the System instructs the handset to        follow a routine which, upon extraction of the handset from the        HFWI, will allow the handset to update locally the handset        signalling protocol so as to automatically and autonomously        inform the wireless carrier upon the next exchange of        information through a signalling protocol request that the        handset is no longer in an interfaced operational mode of        operation, or After action 3 above, the HFWI 12 or cellphone-fed        fixed/mobile interface of the System instructs the handset to        follow a routine which will allow, upon removal of the handset        10 from the HFWI 12, the handset to transmit to the wireless        carrier 18 or a clearing house 22, information containing        identification and functional status (fixed mode or mobile mode)        of the handset 10. This information, authenticated locally or        remotely at 22, would serve the purpose of informing wireless        carriers that the handset is no longer in an interfaced        operational mode of operation.    -   5. Optionally, the handset battery is charged.

A flow chart disclosing a preferred sequence of system operation forsignalling protocol based method is provided at FIG. 3 and a flow chartdisclosing a preferred sequence of operation for a SMS (Short MessagingService), USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) or GPRS(General Packet Radio Service) based method is provided at FIG. 4. USSDis a Global System for Mobile (GSM) communication technology that isused to send text between a mobile phone and an application program inthe network. Applications may include prepaid Roaming or mobilechatting. USSD is similar to Short Messaging Service (SMS), but, unlikeSMS, USSD transactions occur during the session only. With SMS, messagescan be sent to a mobile phone and stored for several days if the phoneis not activated or within range. Reference can be made to the providedflow charts during the discussion of the system operation below.

System Control Location

Throughout the present description, the system refers to software andhardware components where the control may be distributed betweenhandset, the HFWI and the gateway present in the carrier network or at aremote clearing house. It should be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that the location of the control in the system may varydepending on the mode of implementation and therefore a given choice ofthe location of the control is within the scope of the presentinvention.

Handset Identification Upon Proximity Sensing or Insertion in the HFWI

Initially, the handset makes physical or radio contact with the HFWI,which detects mechanically, electrically or electronically the handset'spresence. The detection of the presence of the handset to the HFWI iseffected by the dataport 12. The dataport 14 is preferably a wirelesscoupling between the handset 10 and the HFWI 12 as shown in FIG. 1. FIG.1 a shows an alternative embodiment of the dataport 14 being a physicalelectrical connection coupling the handset 10 to the HFWI. Upondetection, the HFWI then proceeds to identify the handset by readingthrough the dataport 14 one or more unique identifiers, which may be anelectronic serial number, the handset identity, or other identifier. Thegoal of these actions is the identification of the handset 10 by theHFWI 12 in order to allow the HFWI to proceed to utilise a propersoftware routine to:

-   -   1. Determine whether or not the System (handset and HFWI) is in        a interfaced and operational mode working condition; and    -   2. Instruct the handset on the appropriate action to be taken in        order to inform the wireless carrier network of the condition        determined in 1.        HFWI to Handset Instructions

In the preferred embodiment, the System inside the HFWI 12 prompts thehandset 10, through the dataport 14, to update a flag in the airinterface signalling protocol over transmission means 16 indicating tothe wireless carrier network that the handset has entered the interfacedoperational mode of operation. Alternatively, the air interfacesignalling protocol over transmission means 16 indicates an interfacedoperational mode of operation may have been pre-programmed in thehandset 10 as a second signalling protocol and may be resident in thehandset together with a first signalling protocol meant to indicate amobile mode of operation. Processing inside the HFWI would select theappropriate signalling protocol to be used by the handset afterinterfaced operational fixed or mobile status or mode is determined. Anindication as to the correct signalling protocol to be used would betransmitted to the wireless carrier network automatically during normalupdates transmitted between the handset and wireless carrier network 18over transmission means 16.

FIG. 2 shows a functional block diagram of a handset fixed wirelessinterface 12. A dataport 14 is provided to couple the HFWI 12 with ahandset as more particularly described herein. Preferably the dataportimplemented is a wireless interface between the HFWI and a cellularhandset using radio technology, using appropriate protocols, for examplesuch as the Bluetooth (trademark) standard. A wireless dataport providesfor interoperability between a broad range of cellular handsets and anHFWI without the need to special engineer a mechanical and electricalcoupling to support the interconnection of an HFWI to a particularhandset. Alternately, the dataport 14 can be implemented as a physicalwired connection between HFWI 12 and the handset 10 as shown in FIG. 1a. One advantage of a physical wired connection is that a handsetbattery recharging supply can be provided in the HFWI to permit thebattery of the handset 10 to be recharged when the handset is coupled tothe HFWI.

The HFWI system operation is controlled by a microprocessor 24.Microprocessor 24 operates under instructions from a program memory 26,which can include a fixed read-only memory (ROM) module to record thememory instructions and preserve them in the event that the power supply(not shown) to the HFWI is interrupted. For example, during shipping andstorage in distribution to the consumer or a power interruption orrelocation of the HFWI within the user's premises. Memory 26 alsoincludes random access memory (RAM) to hold status and state informationduring operation of the HFWI and its interaction with the components towhich it is attached. A power supply 28 is provided as an option topermit recharging of a handset 10, when it is coupled to the HFWI 12using the dataport configuration of FIG. 1 a, to permit the batterywithin the handset 10 to be recharged. Naturally if the handset is inwireless communication with HFWI, when it is coupled to the HFWI 12using the dataport configuration of FIG. 1, then the power supply wouldnot be connected to the handset to recharge the batteries.

A premises telephone interface 30 provides a necessary signallingrequired to operate premises telephones 32 such as ring current forinbound calls and dial tone for outbound calls etc. Premises telephones32 are deployed on the premises wire line telephone distribution cabling34 to which the HFWI is coupled by a telephone connector 36. Thetelephone connector 36 can, for example, be a conventional telephoneRJ-11 jack.

FIG. 3 shows a process flow carried out by a microprocessor 24 inconjunction with the processor controlling the handset 10 to establish asignalling protocol to implement the arrangement of the invention. Whenthe handset is inserted into or made proximate to the HFWI as denoted byprocess box 50 the dataport 14 is used to identify the handset 10 to theHFWI as denoted by process box 52. As the HFWI is intended to be usedwith a plurality of handsets manufactured by a plurality ofmanufacturers, the control process within the HFWI will determine theproper software routine to be used for the identified handset as denotedby process box 54. If the handset is one that is recognized by the HFWIthe handset interoperation with the HFWI is tested as denoted by thedecision control box 56. If a co-ordination or interoperation betweenthe handset 10 and HFWI is not possible, the process terminates with theuser being expected to verify that the equipment is compatible andinteroperable with the HFWI as denoted by termination block 58. If arecognized and compatible handset is placed into or made proximate tothe HFWI, then the known handset parameters are tested to determine ifthe HFWI can modify the signalling protocol of the handset as denoted bydecision box 60. If no modification or update of the handset signallingprotocol is possible, then the handset is assessed for alternatesignalling protocols to determine if they are available as denoted bydecision block 62. If alternative signalling protocol is not possible,then the HFWI cannot interoperate with the handset and considerationmust be given to transmission through a GPRS, SMS or USSD protocol asindicated by termination block 64.

Returning to decision box 60, if the HFWI can control or modify thesignalling protocol of the handset, then the HFWI updates the signallingprotocol in the handset as denoted by process box 66. Alternately, if analternate signalling protocol can be accessed by the HFWI, then the HFWIdictates the handset to utilise the alternative signalling protocol asdenoted by process box 68. In either event, the handset is then preparedby the HFWI to signal the fixed status to the carrier network upon thenext user or network request. This handset state is shown by process box70.

Communications can now occur between the wireless carrier network andthe handset 10, which will be made available to the local wirelinetelephone distribution 34 as shown in FIG. 2 via the interoperation ofthe handset 10 and HFWI 12. When the user actually removes the handsetfrom proximity to the HFWI as denoted by process box 72, the event isdetected as indicated by process box 74. This event causes the handsetto update the handset network signalling protocol or to access analternate signalling protocol, as denoted by process box 76. When thenecessary exchange of messages with wireless carrier network occurs, thehandset is ready to signal its mobile status to the wireless carriernetwork on the next user or network request as denoted by process box78.

FIG. 4 shows a process flow control for the autonomous handsettransmission of fixed handset operation status using a GPRS, SMS or USSDmethod. Similar process steps in the flow chart of FIG. 4 are providedwith like reference numerals to the process described with reference toFIG. 3. Once the preliminary steps of interaction between the HFWI 12and handset 10 have occurred as shown in process boxes 50, 52, 54, 56and 58, the HFWI performs the test at process box 80 to determine if thehandset can be instructed to send an SMS, GPRS or USSD message. If thehandset is not available to send such a message, the HFWI performsanother loop to wait for the handset to enter an idle mode, the loopbeing depicted by process box 82 in the flow chart arrangement shownbetween decision box 80 and process box 82.

When the handset is available to send an SMS, GPRS or USSD message, theHFWI communicates with the handset to send the appropriate message tothe carrier remote data center as denoted by process box 84. Anacknowledgement is returned to the handset 10 and receipt of theacknowledgement message may be displayed on the display area 11 providedin the handset 10. As denoted by process box 86 the exchange of thesemessages with a wireless carrier indicates that the carrier has nowrecorded an interfaced operational mode or state for the cellular phonethus enabling carrier selected services to facilitate and support thefixed wire interface interoperating with the cellphone 10. At entry tothis state, the HFWI downloads into the handset via dataport 14 theappropriate instructions for the handset to take upon removal of thehandset from the HFWI as shown by process box 88. When the useruncouples the handset from the HFWI denoted by process box 72, forexample when the user removes the handset from proximity to the HFWI,the absence of the coupling with the HFWI will be sensed as denoted byprocess box 74. At this point in time, the handset 10 will update thecarrier or remote data center by sending another GPRS, SMS or USSDmessage to the carrier to indicate the mobile status as shown by processbox 90. In a preferred arrangement, the remote data center or carriercontrol will respond by transmitting an acknowledgement message to thehandset to confirm that mobile status has been recorded for the handsetas denoted by process box 92.

Handset Software

It may be convenient to provide additional functions within the handsetto allow some local and remote authentication, status display etc. Also,upon handset extraction from proximity to the HFWI the handset is usedin a mobile mode of operation. One HFWI and handset interoperationfunctionality is the ability to sense handset removal. For example, theabsence of heartbeat signal between handset and HFWI, or the absence ofcharging power or simply the absence of local wireless connectivity, forexample the loss of a Bluetooth (trademark) bond between the handset andthe HFWI. Upon loss of interoperation functionality, that is, uponhandset removal, a mobile status mode update message must be provided tothe wireless carrier. The functionality required to provide the messageto the wireless carrier may be implemented in either of severaldifferent ways. In one implementation, the functionality is provided inthe form of software that is downloaded into the handset. Anotherimplementation provides a temporary update and default setting of thesignalling protocol. In another implementation, the functionality ispreprogrammed into the telephone firmware or, in yet anotherimplementation, the functionality is included in a Subscriber IdentityModule (SIM) card (GSM only) at the time of subscription to the fixedwireless service. Such implementations either for sensing localinterfacing status or for sending remotely the interfaced status arecontemplated by and are within the scope of the present invention.

Network Update to the Handset and Fixed Operation Handset Display

The handset 10 can be instructed by the HFWI 12 to display an interfacedand operational operation status following the sensing of the interfacedand operational mode, for example upon insertion of the handset into theHFWI or bringing the handset into operating proximity to the HFWI.Although this can be achieved locally, it may be preferable to requestthe wireless carrier network to provide the handset with an update ofthis status over the air immediately after having been informed of theoperation mode of the handset. This is possible, for example, usingGPRS, SMS and USSD (GSM only) messaging. Such a mode of operation isforeseen as being included within the scope of the present invention.

Handset Disconnection from the HFWI

In the preferred embodiment, upon removal of the handset from operatingproximity to the HFWI, the System resets the flag in the air interfacesignalling protocol via the data communication port 14 to its originalstate. Alternatively the System selects the air interface signallingprotocol present in the handset that corresponds to mobile status, toindicate to the wireless carrier network, for example a PCS wirelessnetwork, that the handset has returned to a mobile mode of operation.The air interface flag returns to its original state, or the proper airinterface signalling protocol with the wireless carrier network ischosen. Thus can be achieved, for example, through a software appletfunction that is triggered into action. This function could be triggeredinto action, for example, following a short measured time out due to theabsence of a heartbeat or absence of local wireless connectivity[Bluetooth (trademark) bond], (or the absence of charging power) betweenthe handset and HFWI, the handset now having been removed from thecradle or taken out of range of the HFWI.

An alternate method calls for the System to send a GPRS, SMS, USSD (GSMonly) or other message which includes user information and mobile modeof operation status to a clearing house or to the wireless carrier. Tosend such a message, a function, preferably in the form of a softwareapplet, is triggered into action to instruct the handset to send themessage. Again, this function could be triggered into action following ashort measured time out due to the absence of a heartbeat (or absence ofcharging power) or absence of local wireless connectivity [Bluetooth(trademark) bond] between the handset and the HFWI.

Status Update Latency

In a preferred embodiment the wireless carrier update regarding fixed ormobile status is to take place at the latest before a call is receivedor placed assuming the phone is on and in idle mode. A mobile phone inthe off position turned on after insertion would update the networkimmediately upon registration. A phone inserted in the HFWI when inactive mode would be considered mobile by the wireless carrier untilnext call out or call received. Similarly a phone removed from the HFWIwhen in active mode would be considered fixed until next call out orcall received. The alternate method may call for greater latency inupdating the wireless carrier due to transmission delays, remoteauthentication, etc.

Wireless Synchronisation and Voice Links

Various wireless synchronisation technologies are under developmentwhich would enable mobile devices to wirelessly synchronise themselvesand exchange data and voice signals with other wired or wireless devicesas long as both devices are in the same vicinity and carry a compatiblesynchronisation chip or protocol. The Bluetooth (trademark) and the IEEE802.11 protocols are examples of such technologies.

Usage of such wireless protocols as an alternative to the physical(mechanical, electric or electronic interfaces) placement of a cellularhandset onto a HFWI device is within the scope of the present invention.

Indeed, the handshaking relative to the operational status of thehandset and HFWI device could take place within the boundaries of alocal wireless local area network (LAN) or a Personal Wireless areanetwork (PAN) to simplify handset to HFWI interoperability. The scope ofthe present invention includes the detection and validation of handsetto HFWI operation and set up of a wireless interfaced operationalconnection to a wireless carrier. The detection and validation of thehandset to the HFWI can occur by physical placement of the handset intoa receiving cradle in the HFWI. Preferably, the detection and validationoccurs by placing the handset within operating proximity to the HFWI tofacilitate communication between the handset and HFWI over a wirelesslocal communication to be established. When the detection and validationhas taken place, this information is ready to be transmitted to thewireless carrier. The wireless carrier receives the information which isused to determine whether or not to offer enhanced customer features aswell as providing a more cost effective use of the wireless carrier'sservices to the corresponding handset-HFWI combination.

Abuse Control

Users may take advantage or abuse a location based pricing scheme (e.g.:an at-home-only price plan) by unusual or unplanned use of a handsetpaired to and interoperating with the HFWI. This can be neutralised byvarious methods:

-   -   The carrier or clearing house may have inserted in its database        22 the fixed paired mode functionality at the time of        subscription;    -   The carrier or clearing house may have available the identity or        identities of the cell site or sites 18 likely to interface to        the handset when it is in fixed mode of operation;    -   The carrier or clearing house may have available information        regarding the geographical location of the handset through        various location determination technologies such as        triangulation and transmission or geographic data function e.g.:        GPS identity of cell sites not compatible with the residential        environment in question;    -   The carrier may obtain positive location information by cross        verification of databases after identity transmission by various        other means than an air interface or wireless messaging,        including but not limited to cable transmission, hydro metering,        etc;

Positive location identification of the handset by various means otherthan handset to HFWI insertion or handset to HFWI wireless proximitysynchronisation or local wireless voice link is within the scope of thepresent invention. As a result, the wireless carrier can provideenhanced features to the handset and HFWI for use by the end user.However, these enhanced features can be controlled such that they willbe made available only following an operational handshake between thehandset and the HFWI.

Transmission Means

The HFWI dictates the handset (or external device) to transmitinterfaced and interoperational functionality status via one of thefollowing:

-   -   Within the content of the HFWI to handset updated signalling        protocol or by choosing the appropriate signalling protocol        present in the handset to be communicated regularly between        handset and carrier serving systems for synchronisation;    -   Within the body of a SMS or GPRS transmission sent to a        yyy@aaaaa.bbb type user or to another cellular address;    -   Within the body of a USSD transmission sent to a gateway in the        carrier network;    -   Within a binary data transmission from a modem connected to the        handset to another modem;    -   Within a binary data transmission via Internet if the handset        allows for an Internet connection with a conventional IP        address; or    -   Via any other wireless or wired method of transmission,        including over telephone wire, coax cable electrical wire, etc.        Message Waiting Passthrough

One of the functions of the HFWI is to allow conventional premisestelephone equipment to operate in a complete and usual fashion whileconnected to an HFWI and an interfaced and operational wireless handsetarranged in accordance with the invention. In conventional telephoneservice, one such function is to provide end users with the notificationthat unheard voice messages have been deposited in a remote voicemailbox.

A preferred arrangement and process by which a message waitingnotification provided to a cellset is gathered, processed, transformedand forwarded by the HFWI 12 to conventional wireline premisestelephones 32 interfaced to the HFWI 12 is as follows:

The coupling between a handset 10 in the arrangement of FIG. 2, 6 or 7or handsets 10 a or 10 b in the arrangement of FIG. 5 and the HFWI 12includes passing message waiting status information from the wirelesscellular handset 10 to each wireless premises telephone 32. The HFWIcontrols the operation of the premises telephone interface 30 under thecontrol of microprocessor 24 to facilitate this forwarding of messagestatus information. When a handset 10 is coupled to HFWI 12, thecommunications over the dataport 14 supports forwarding of statusinformation, such as a message waiting indicator, which is presented tothe cell phone 10 by the cellular network. A message waiting status isindicated, for example, on display 11 of the handset. This messagewaiting status information is communicated over dataport 14 to the HFWIto cause the HFWI to control premises telephone interface 30 to presenta message waiting status information on each premises wireline telephonehandset 32. In one manner of operation, an user perceptible indicationof a message waiting status is provided on each premises wirelinehandset 32 by providing a stutter dial tone which is supplied bypremises telephone interface 30 when the premises telephone handset 32goes off hook. In another manner of operation, a user perceptibleindication of a message waiting status is provided by a message waitingindicator light 33 provided on the handset of the premises telephonehandset 32.

Consequently, following a coupling or a pairing of a handset 10 with theHFWI, dataport 14 supplies message waiting status information to theHFWI. Once the handset 10 is interfaced and operational with HFWI 12,the premises telephone interface 30 produces a user perceptible messagewaiting indication. The user perceptible message waiting indication is astutter dial tone or an indicator light. The user perceptible messagewaiting indication alerts a user of the premises telephone 32 that amessage is waiting. In this manner, conventional message waiting statusfrom the wireless network 18 is passed to each premises wireline handset32 via HFWI 12.

In accordance with this arrangement and process, the useful result isthat users may now obtain, on each premises wireline handset phone 32,message waiting information present on the cellset 10.

Distinctive Ringing

Another function of the HFWI that allows conventional telephoneequipment to operate in a complete and usual fashion consists ofproviding users with a distinctive ringing pattern to inform that a callis intended for a particular user.

A preferred arrangement and process by which a ring notificationprovided to a cellset 10 is gathered, processed, transformed by the HFWI12 into a distinctive ring pattern forwarded to conventional telephonesinterfaced to the HFWI 12 is as follows:

Referring to FIG. 5, a pair of handsets 10 a and 10 b are capable ofbeing coupled to a single HFWI 12 over a dataport 14 a and 14 b providedfor each handset respectively. In accordance with a preferredarrangement, a wireless dataport 14 of the HFWI 12 can be bonded tomultiple wireless devices, for example, handsets 10 a and 10 b. Thedataport can communicate independently with and simultaneously with eachhandset 10 a and 10 b. Following bonding of each handset 10 a and 10 bto the HFWI dataport 14, microprocessor 24 (of FIG. 2) is configured tooperate premises telephony interface 30 to support different ringingpatterns in the ring voltage that the premises telephony interface 30supplies to the premises distribution cabling 34. Consequently, apremises wireline telephone 32 that is connected to the premiseswireline distribution cabling 34 indicates which of the handsets 10 a or10 b is ringing by providing a different ringing pattern produced bypremises telephone interface 30 depending on which of handsets 10 a, 10b etc. that a call is received on. In this arrangement, the HFWI 12 hasinternal software routines that react to the ringing of each particularcellphone handset that are interfaced and operational with HFWI 12. Whenthe handset of a wireline phone 32 is picked up to receive the call, theHFWI interconnects the voice side of the cellular handset 10 a or 10 brespectively with a voice path through premises telephone interface 30to permit the premises telephone 32 to communicate over the wirelessservice provided on handset 10 a or 10 b respectively as the case maybe.

In accordance with this arrangement, a conventional telephone 32 isconnected to an HFWI 12 with the useful result that users may now obtainon conventional wireline telephones 32 communication access to multiplewireless handsets 10 a, 10 b and so on.

Alternative PSTN Access Override

FIGS. 6 and 7 show apparatus to interconnect an HFWI with conventionalwireline distribution wiring at a subscriber premises. In the event thata consumer has abandoned conventional plain old telephone service, theconsumer's residence premises is normally without any phone service atall. To overcome this inconvenience the wireline PSTN network 72typically provides emergency 911 calls and 611 customer service calls onthe subscriber drop loop 70. Thus, limited outbound calling on anotherwise out of service loop 70 is provided. This limited service isdepicted in graphically form in FIGS. 6 and 7 by the dotted drop line70. In the preferred arrangement of interconnection of an HFWI topremises wiring, an override relay switch 37 to connect premisestelephone 33 directly to the conventional phone line 70 to permit accessto the incumbent PSTN network 72. This relay switch provides analternative to HFWI users who would need to place a call from theirresidence without access to a wireless handset.

In the arrangement depicted in FIG. 6, a subscriber premises is servedby a single premises wireline distribution cable 34. At a PSTN network72 demarcation point that defines a boundary between the PSTN network 72and the subscriber distribution cabling 34, an interface relay 37 isprovided. The interface relay is biased by biasing means 75 tointerconnect the premises wireline distribution cabling 34 to the PSTNaccess line 70 by default. That is the relay 37 is normally open ornormally closed, as the case may be, in the rest state of relay 37. Whena cellset 10 is bonded or coupled to HFWI 12 to become interfaced andoperational therewith over dataport 14, relay 37 is activated by theHFWI 12 via control line 73 to couple the premises wireline distributioncable 34 to HFWI via coupling line 71. For clarity in FIGS. 6 and 7,relay 37 and the interface lines 71, 72 are shown external to HFWQI 12,however, it is preferable to provide relay 37 and associated controllines within the HFWI 12 itself.

As a result of the configuration of relay 37 to interconnect thepremises distribution wireline 34 to line 71 of the HFWI, all of theservices available from the wireless network to the handset 10 via thewireless communications link 16 are made available to the premiseswireline telephone 32. When the handset 10 becomes uncoupled from theHFWI 12, relay 37 is deactivated and reconnects the premises wirelinedistribution 34 to the PSTN drop line 70. This will provide PSTN network72 access to the premises wireline telephones 33. If the subscribe line70 connecting to the PSTN network 72 is out of service, there may stillbe emergency services such as 911 calls and 611 customer service callsavailable from the PSTN network 72.

FIG. 7 shows an alternate arrangement for use in subscriber premisesthat is provided with a two pair distribution cabling. For example,homes that have been wired for telephone service more recently aretypically provided with at least two pair or two telephone lines 34 and35 extending through the premises. In a typical arrangement,conventional phone service appears on one of the lines of the premisesdistribution cable 34 that appears at each of the telephone outletswithin the subscriber premises. A second line or alternate pair 35 isalso provided at each of the telephone outlets to facilitate twoseparate telephone services within the subscriber premises. Typically,the second line 35 is unused. When a subscriber has abandoned its PSTNnetwork telephone service, the first pair 34 typically remainsphysically connected to the PSTN subscriber line 70. Typicallysubscriber line 70 remain actives to provide emergency services such as911 calls and 611 customer services calls, even though it is out ofservice.

The premises second pair or distribution line 35 is usually not in useand is not connected to any PSTN drop loop or line. In accordance withthe arrangement of equipment of FIG. 7, each of the premises wirelesstelephone handsets 32 is interconnected to the second line 34 of thepremises wiring by a coupling jack 39. Coupling jack 39 couples thepremises wireline telephone handset 32 to the second or unused pair ordistribution cabling 35 of the premises. A relay 37 interconnects thepremises second distribution cable 35 to the HFWI via line 71 or to thepremises wireline distribution line 34 depending on the setting of therelay 37. In the rest or default setting of the relay 37 (that is thenormally open or normally closed setting of the relay as the case maybe), the secondary premises distribution line 35 is interconnected withpremises primary distribution cable 34. As mentioned, the primarydistribution cable 34 is likely to remain connected to the PSTN drop 70,thus each premises wireline telephone handset 32 will becomeinterconnected to the PSTN drop 70. In the rest or default setting ofrelay 37, the HFWI 12 is not connected to either premises distributionline 34 or 35.

Thus in the rest or default setting of relay 37, both the primarypremises distribution line 34 and the secondary premises distributionline 35 are interconnected to the inactive PSTN drop 70 to facilitateaccess to emergency telephone services. The interconnection couplingjack 39 couples the premises wireline handset 32 to the secondarypremises distribution line 35 thus making the PSTN telephone service onloop 70 available to premises handset 32. When a wireless handset 10 iscoupled to the HFWI 12 and interfaced and operational over dataport 14,relay 37 is activated by control line 73. Activating relay 37 causes itto disconnect the secondary premises distribution line 35 from the PSTNdrop 70 and couple the secondary distribution line 35 to thecommunication line 71 of HFWI 12. In this manner, the premises wirelinehandset 32 is now coupled to the wireless services available overhandset 10 via HFWI 12.

Receiving Means and Gateway Interface

Depending on the transmission means chosen, the receiving gateway maytake the form of a USSD (HLR), SMS or GPRS server, an Internet gateway,a modem, or any other receiving means. The receiving means may also takethe simple form of a modification in the carrier servers to poll or toidentify upon normal polling a change in the handset identityinformation the handset for status information. The receiving means maybe centralised outside of the carrier platform to a centralised clearinghouse for authentication and automatically sent to the carriers fortheir usage. Various scenarios can be evaluated with a view to reduceprocessing latency, provide for secure and accurate fixed operational ormobile status information, and interoperability with other carriernetwork functions.

1. A cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus for coupling to atleast one analog-type telephone to provide the analog-type telephone atleast basic analog-type telephone functions via a wireless carriernetwork, the apparatus comprising: means for exchanging informationabout functionalities between a cellphone, the cellphone-fedfixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network over aconnectivity dataport between the cellphone and the cellphone-fedfixed/mobile interface apparatus and over an air interface between thecellphone and the wireless carrier network; means for validating theinformation about functionalities between the cellphone, thecellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carriernetwork, said validating means comprising means for authenticatingservice parameters available from the wireless carrier network, anidentity and abilities of the cellphone, and setting parameters of thecellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus; and means for monitoringthe presence of dataport connectivity between the cellphone and thecellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus, said monitoring meansalso comprising means for verifying the presence of the air interfaceand the service parameters available from the wireless carrier network;wherein when the presence of dataport connectivity between the cellphoneand the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus is verified, thevalidating and monitoring means signals an interfaced operational stateto repository means accessible to the wireless carrier, thus informingthe wireless carrier that it should maintain the fixed-interface mode ofoperation for the cellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interfaceapparatus and the wireless carrier network, in order to enable enhancedand conditioned billing functions and network features consistent withthe signalled state.
 2. The cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interfaceapparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising means fox providinginterfaced analog telephones with a ringing signal indicative ofdifferent cellphones calling.
 3. The cellphone-fed fixed/mobileinterface apparatus as defined in claim 1, comprising means foroperating a relay so as to allow analog telephones service passthroughin the absence of at least one cellphone feeding the fixed/mobileinterface apparatus.
 4. The cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interfaceapparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein the connectivity dataportcomprises a local wireless or physical connectivity dataport linked to amicroprocessor comprising memory and software means controlling saidconnectivity dataport.
 5. The cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interfaceapparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein the local wireless connectivitydataport further comprises a physical connectivity dataport.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising: instructing means forinstructing the cellular handset to signal an interfaced operationalstate to repository means accessible to the wireless carrier thusinforming wireless carrier that it should maintain the interfacedoperational state or absence of interfaced operational state for thecellphone, the cellphone-fed fixed/mobile interface apparatus and thewireless carrier network, in order to enable enhanced and conditionedbilling functions and network features consistent with the signaledstate; the cellular handset having a user interface display, the displayfunctional to indicate the interfaced operational state; and receivingrepository means accessible to the wireless carrier to maintain thefixed-interface mode of operation for the cellphone, the cellphone-fedfixed/mobile interface apparatus and the wireless carrier network, inorder to enable enhanced and conditioned billing functions and networkfeatures consistent with the signalled state.